Looking for a vacation marked by nature, relaxation and reinvigoration? Want to enjoy sports and athletic activity in the fresh air? Bormio is one of several Italian destinations ideal for all of the above.Set within the expansive fields and pastures of Valtellina and traversed by the River Adda and the Frodolfo Stream, Bormio is a splendid little town with a magnificent position. It lies below the Stelvio Pass and the peaks of Ortles and Cevedale, and is rather well-known to the ski set. Of course Bormio’s thermal baths are one of its highlights, but those merely seeking out breathtaking views of Lombardy's mountains will feel just as at home as those arriving for the curative properties of its boiling waters – everything is a possibility here! The Terme and Hot SpringsThe thermal waters of Bormio are considered a miracle of nature; between 98.6 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit, they rush up from grounds almost always covered in snow, that is the imposing Dolomitic Massif of the Ortles Mountainous Group. The nine springs in Bormio are Pliniana, San Martino, Arciduchessa, Cassiodora, Zampillo dei Bambini, Ostrogoti, Nibelungi, San Carlo and Cinglaccia. Meanwhile, three are the spa establishments that are fed by these thermal sources: theTerme di Bormio, in the Comune of Bormio; and the Bagni Vecchi Complex and the Gran Hotel Bagni Nuovi, in the nearby Comune of Valdidentro.

HistoryAlready a draw in the Romans’ heyday, the Terme of Bormio are even cited in Pliny’s Naturalis Historia as he references the hot waters of these Alpine parts. But even more notable is the letter written by Cassiodorus, secretary of the Ostrogoth King Theoderic, who invited an important noble of the era to visit Bormio and enjoy its therapeutic thermal baths. This was circa 6th Century A.D., yet even now, more than a millennium later, these powerful springs still deliver their reviving minerals to tourists that vacation here every year.

Curative PropertiesThe thermal waters of Bormio are relaxing, and they detoxify and combat stress. The therapeutic waters make for an excellent treatment for those suffering allergies and a number of other pathologies. Several establishments offer an array of health and wellness, beauty and aesthetics packages both ancient and modern.

Bormio and EnvironsVisitors can not only stroll through Bormio’s gorgeous natural surroundings, but can discover Stelvio National Park by bike, for example, or learn about Bormio’s lovely historic center. Don’t miss the chance to visit the other charming comunities that make up part of this Dolomites ski circuit, like Livigno, Santa Caterina Valfurva, and the Tonale Pass. And mountain-bikers can explore Valdidentro, lining the artificial Lakes of Cancano and San Giacomo, and eventually reach the source of the Adda River. The scenery on the way to the lakes is all panorama, and eventually passes the evocative Fraele Towers, boasting awe-inspiring color that contrasts with the equally-astounding natural background.But Bormio is also golf, and here playing the greens is made even more exciting by the breathtaking altitudes (4,101 feet above sea level).Finally, among local traditions are the characteristic Easter Pasquali.Bormio, with its thermal waters amidst dramatic, intriguing landscapes (e.g. the Valtellina) is a haven for regenerating mind, body and spirit.

Useful Information

How to Get ThereBy TrainThe railway station nearest Bormio is that of Tirano (18.6 mi from Bormio).The historic and panoramic railway of Bernina (arriving from Switzerland and part of the Rhaetian Railway), arrives in Tirano.By BusMTBus Lines run from Bergamo and Milan airports daily, with various routes. Perego Bus Lines makes transfers from Milan's Central Station to the railway station in Tirano, direction Bormio.